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MacNachton Vampires #5
Nature Of The Beast
In this captivating new collection from Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Eve Silver, three women meet the irresistible vampires who are their destiny--and discover a passion satisfied only by complete surrender. . . "Dark Hero" by Hannah Howell
Unlike most of his clan, Berawald MacNachton chooses to live in comfortable seclusion, far from the enemies who hunt his kind--until Evanna Massey and her young brother intrude upon his solitude. Beautiful and mysterious, Evanna is unlike any Outsider Berawald has met, spurring a dark longing that echoes in his heart--and his blood.
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso
When Haydn of Gwynedd first met Bethan of Lampeter, she was a brave and fearless young girl, risking her life to save his. Now Bethan has grown into a striking, courageous woman who needs Haydn's help to defeat her tyrannical stepfather. Haydn's dark gift compels him to offer marriage in name only, but he cannot deny the passion that sears them both. . .or his fierce desire to make her his for all time. . .
"Kiss of the Beast" by Eve Silver
Devoted to her work at King's College Hospital, Sarah Lowell is shocked to discover that someone--or something--is killing the weakest patients, draining them of their blood. Killian Thayne, an enigmatic surgeon, offers Sarah his protection, but his sensual, commanding presence presents another kind of danger, urging her to risk everything for the splendor of his eternal embrace. . .
Unlike most of his clan, Berawald MacNachton chooses to live in comfortable seclusion, far from the enemies who hunt his kind--until Evanna Massey and her young brother intrude upon his solitude. Beautiful and mysterious, Evanna is unlike any Outsider Berawald has met, spurring a dark longing that echoes in his heart--and his blood.
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso
When Haydn of Gwynedd first met Bethan of Lampeter, she was a brave and fearless young girl, risking her life to save his. Now Bethan has grown into a striking, courageous woman who needs Haydn's help to defeat her tyrannical stepfather. Haydn's dark gift compels him to offer marriage in name only, but he cannot deny the passion that sears them both. . .or his fierce desire to make her his for all time. . .
"Kiss of the Beast" by Eve Silver
Devoted to her work at King's College Hospital, Sarah Lowell is shocked to discover that someone--or something--is killing the weakest patients, draining them of their blood. Killian Thayne, an enigmatic surgeon, offers Sarah his protection, but his sensual, commanding presence presents another kind of danger, urging her to risk everything for the splendor of his eternal embrace. . .
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
38 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,642 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 11, 2018
Overall Rating: 3.7 stars
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell – 4 stars
Berawald MacNachton is apart of the mysterious and powerful MacNachton clan and seems to possess mysterious powers. But, when a beautiful woman named Evanna Massey comes to his cave along with her younger brother David, Berawald starts to realize that Evanna is no normal Outsider and he starts developing feelings for her!
I really enjoyed this story as the characters were great and the romance between Evanna and Berawald was hot and sizzling, just the way I like it! Hannah Howell has done a great job at creating truly memorable characters and an intense plot that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! My favorite characters in this story were Berawald MacNachton and Evanna Massey as they are both kindhearted characters as they are willing to help anyone in danger and I also loved the romance between them as they accepted each others' pains and differences and tried to help each other through every dangerous situation. I truly loved Berawald as he was described as being muscular and handsome (I love that) and I also loved how brave and strong he is as I loved the scene where he fights a group of men who tortured David and I also loved the way that he is willing to protect Evanna and her brother David at all costs from the people who tried to kill her.
The reason why I took off a point for this story is because of the story's pace as it was a bit too slow for me and I often found myself trying to rush through this story to get to the exciting scenes. Overall, “Dark Hero” is truly a great short story worth checking out!
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso – 4 stars
When Bethan's stepfather, Agnarr de Bellemare wanted to have a group of innocent men killed, Bethan took it upon herself to save these men by freeing them in the middle of the night and she meets a young boy named Haydn who wants to repay her. Ten years later, Bethan is a woman and Haydn is now known as Haydn of Gwyneed and Bethan has proposed to Haydn to marry her so that they can stop her stepfather's evil tyranny, but it seems that a love is starting to blossom between them!
Out of all the stories I have read in this book, this story was my favorite! Adrienne Basso has done an excellent job at creating an exciting plot throughout the book and I was seriously on the edge of my seat as I was trying to figure out whether or not Bethan and Haydn will succeed at dethroning de Bellemare! The character I really loved the most in this book was Haydn as he truly has a muscular body (which I like!) and he truly loved Bethan's courageous spirit in defeating her stepfather which made him into such an honorable character. I also loved the sexual scenes between Haydn and Bethan (I mean, what romance novel would not have sex scenes?) as they were truly hot and spicy!
The reason why this story did not get a five star rating is because of the heroine, Bethan. She was alright, when we first meet her because she was so courageous when she took matters in her hands to help out the innocent people that her stepfather wanted to kill. Unfortunately, when she got older, she became sort of wimpy and wanted Haydn to solve her problems instead of trying to help Haydn defeat her stepfather. Also, what made me so frustrated about Bethan's character was when she realized what Haydn really is, she just decided to not trust him just because he revealed his true form to her. I mean, I also believe that there should be trust in a relationship, but there is also the fact that spouses should accept each other for who they are no matter what and Bethan does not seem to understand that fact about Haydn. Overall, “Bride of the Beast” is a great story, but I would give the story a five star rating, while the heroine of the story gets a three star rating.
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver – 3 stars
Sarah Lowell started working at King's College Hospital after her father died and strange things strated happening at the hospital when someone is killing the weakest patients by draining their blood and surgeon Killian Thayne is the prime suspect! However, Sarah will soon discover that Killian Thayne is no ordinary man!
Out of all the stories I have read from this book, this was the weakest story I have read and there is not much to say about what I liked about this story other than the fact that I liked the mystery aspect of the story as it includes the typical “Who did it?” murder scenario and Eve Silver did a great job at bringing out the drama in this story. Also, there is plenty of hot sexual scenes between Killian and Sarah that will have your love senses flare up with excitement!
The reason why this story was not a five star read is because the story was a bit boring to read through as there is rarely any action in the story and the plot sort of dragged on too much. Also, I felt that the characters were not lively enough and they sort of fell flat as they rarely have any personality that would make them stand out in the story. Even though both Sarah and Killian are kindhearted characters, they rarely shown any true personality and therefore, they just came out as being sort of background characters throughout the entire story. I also felt that the ending was extremely weak as even though we find out who was killing all the patients, it did not really deliver that punch that I would expect from a mystery story and it felt like it was just thrown in the story to just give the story a happy ending without really explaining about the clues that lead up to the revelation of the suspect. Overall, “Kiss of the Vampire” was not the best story in this novel and it was just an average story.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell – 4 stars
Berawald MacNachton is apart of the mysterious and powerful MacNachton clan and seems to possess mysterious powers. But, when a beautiful woman named Evanna Massey comes to his cave along with her younger brother David, Berawald starts to realize that Evanna is no normal Outsider and he starts developing feelings for her!
I really enjoyed this story as the characters were great and the romance between Evanna and Berawald was hot and sizzling, just the way I like it! Hannah Howell has done a great job at creating truly memorable characters and an intense plot that had me sitting on the edge of my seat! My favorite characters in this story were Berawald MacNachton and Evanna Massey as they are both kindhearted characters as they are willing to help anyone in danger and I also loved the romance between them as they accepted each others' pains and differences and tried to help each other through every dangerous situation. I truly loved Berawald as he was described as being muscular and handsome (I love that) and I also loved how brave and strong he is as I loved the scene where he fights a group of men who tortured David and I also loved the way that he is willing to protect Evanna and her brother David at all costs from the people who tried to kill her.
The reason why I took off a point for this story is because of the story's pace as it was a bit too slow for me and I often found myself trying to rush through this story to get to the exciting scenes. Overall, “Dark Hero” is truly a great short story worth checking out!
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso – 4 stars
When Bethan's stepfather, Agnarr de Bellemare wanted to have a group of innocent men killed, Bethan took it upon herself to save these men by freeing them in the middle of the night and she meets a young boy named Haydn who wants to repay her. Ten years later, Bethan is a woman and Haydn is now known as Haydn of Gwyneed and Bethan has proposed to Haydn to marry her so that they can stop her stepfather's evil tyranny, but it seems that a love is starting to blossom between them!
Out of all the stories I have read in this book, this story was my favorite! Adrienne Basso has done an excellent job at creating an exciting plot throughout the book and I was seriously on the edge of my seat as I was trying to figure out whether or not Bethan and Haydn will succeed at dethroning de Bellemare! The character I really loved the most in this book was Haydn as he truly has a muscular body (which I like!) and he truly loved Bethan's courageous spirit in defeating her stepfather which made him into such an honorable character. I also loved the sexual scenes between Haydn and Bethan (I mean, what romance novel would not have sex scenes?) as they were truly hot and spicy!
The reason why this story did not get a five star rating is because of the heroine, Bethan. She was alright, when we first meet her because she was so courageous when she took matters in her hands to help out the innocent people that her stepfather wanted to kill. Unfortunately, when she got older, she became sort of wimpy and wanted Haydn to solve her problems instead of trying to help Haydn defeat her stepfather. Also, what made me so frustrated about Bethan's character was when she realized what Haydn really is, she just decided to not trust him just because he revealed his true form to her. I mean, I also believe that there should be trust in a relationship, but there is also the fact that spouses should accept each other for who they are no matter what and Bethan does not seem to understand that fact about Haydn. Overall, “Bride of the Beast” is a great story, but I would give the story a five star rating, while the heroine of the story gets a three star rating.
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver – 3 stars
Sarah Lowell started working at King's College Hospital after her father died and strange things strated happening at the hospital when someone is killing the weakest patients by draining their blood and surgeon Killian Thayne is the prime suspect! However, Sarah will soon discover that Killian Thayne is no ordinary man!
Out of all the stories I have read from this book, this was the weakest story I have read and there is not much to say about what I liked about this story other than the fact that I liked the mystery aspect of the story as it includes the typical “Who did it?” murder scenario and Eve Silver did a great job at bringing out the drama in this story. Also, there is plenty of hot sexual scenes between Killian and Sarah that will have your love senses flare up with excitement!
The reason why this story was not a five star read is because the story was a bit boring to read through as there is rarely any action in the story and the plot sort of dragged on too much. Also, I felt that the characters were not lively enough and they sort of fell flat as they rarely have any personality that would make them stand out in the story. Even though both Sarah and Killian are kindhearted characters, they rarely shown any true personality and therefore, they just came out as being sort of background characters throughout the entire story. I also felt that the ending was extremely weak as even though we find out who was killing all the patients, it did not really deliver that punch that I would expect from a mystery story and it felt like it was just thrown in the story to just give the story a happy ending without really explaining about the clues that lead up to the revelation of the suspect. Overall, “Kiss of the Vampire” was not the best story in this novel and it was just an average story.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 22, 2008
I so love anthologies. "Nature of the Beast" by Hannah Howell, Adrienne Basso, and Eve Silver is an anthology that historical vampire lovers will definitely want to acquire!
"Dark Hero" by Hannah Howell. Howell continues her stories of the MacNachton clan with Berawald's tale. He's quiet and tormented by the ghosts who constantly whisper to him until he saves a young woman and her brother and discovers what true happiness is. I love the way Hannah Howell writes and her continuing stories of the MacNachton's are always on my must-buy list.
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso. Years ago Haydn met Gwynedd when she risked her life to save him from her monstrous step-father. When Gwynedd sets out to beg the help of the Warrior of the North, she has no idea that not only is that famous Warrior the Haydn she rescued, but he is also a creature like her step-father. I like Adrienne Basso's historical novels and I'm pretty sure this is her first venture into the vampire genre. Very interesting and well done for her first vamp story.
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Eve Silver. Sarah is alone now. With the decline of her doctor father's health and then his disappearance, she's now forced to support herself on the pittance she earns trying to help the poor unfortunates at the King's College Hospital. She's attracted to Killian Thayne, a doctor who's recently come under suspicion of murdering patients. She's sure he's innocent, and she may have to give up her life to prove it! If you haven't read an Eve Silver historical, then shame on you. Her stories have a very gothic air to them that pulls me in time and again. I would probably say this was my favorite story out of the anthology.
3 solid historical vamp stories for $12. Hard to beat!
"Dark Hero" by Hannah Howell. Howell continues her stories of the MacNachton clan with Berawald's tale. He's quiet and tormented by the ghosts who constantly whisper to him until he saves a young woman and her brother and discovers what true happiness is. I love the way Hannah Howell writes and her continuing stories of the MacNachton's are always on my must-buy list.
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso. Years ago Haydn met Gwynedd when she risked her life to save him from her monstrous step-father. When Gwynedd sets out to beg the help of the Warrior of the North, she has no idea that not only is that famous Warrior the Haydn she rescued, but he is also a creature like her step-father. I like Adrienne Basso's historical novels and I'm pretty sure this is her first venture into the vampire genre. Very interesting and well done for her first vamp story.
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Eve Silver. Sarah is alone now. With the decline of her doctor father's health and then his disappearance, she's now forced to support herself on the pittance she earns trying to help the poor unfortunates at the King's College Hospital. She's attracted to Killian Thayne, a doctor who's recently come under suspicion of murdering patients. She's sure he's innocent, and she may have to give up her life to prove it! If you haven't read an Eve Silver historical, then shame on you. Her stories have a very gothic air to them that pulls me in time and again. I would probably say this was my favorite story out of the anthology.
3 solid historical vamp stories for $12. Hard to beat!
April 13, 2015
These three anthologies were pretty boring! So glad I am done and surprised myself by even finishing this book.
The 1st book-Dark Hero by Hannah Howell- it was the best of the three.
The 2nd book- Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso, it was second best of the three
The 3rd book- Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver, it was the worst of the three, and very difficult to finish.
All of them were about 110 pages each give or take.
They all had sex, and quite a bit of dialogue, but the stories were just boring. The story lines and plots were dull and not memorable. Not one of them did I wish was a regular long book that I think I would enjoy.
As for the narrator. She was barely okay. I have listened to her before and enjoyed her other narration much more than this one. I think it was the tone of voice she was reading in. It was sort of smug in a way. I don't know how to describe it really, but I can say that she did not help these boring stories and maybe made them even more boring.
I did get this audible on sale with whispersync so I am really glad I didn't use a credit.
Don't waste your time or money on this book. There are too many books out there that are enjoyable.This one was not.
The 1st book-Dark Hero by Hannah Howell- it was the best of the three.
The 2nd book- Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso, it was second best of the three
The 3rd book- Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver, it was the worst of the three, and very difficult to finish.
All of them were about 110 pages each give or take.
They all had sex, and quite a bit of dialogue, but the stories were just boring. The story lines and plots were dull and not memorable. Not one of them did I wish was a regular long book that I think I would enjoy.
As for the narrator. She was barely okay. I have listened to her before and enjoyed her other narration much more than this one. I think it was the tone of voice she was reading in. It was sort of smug in a way. I don't know how to describe it really, but I can say that she did not help these boring stories and maybe made them even more boring.
I did get this audible on sale with whispersync so I am really glad I didn't use a credit.
Don't waste your time or money on this book. There are too many books out there that are enjoyable.This one was not.
June 7, 2009
Paranormal Anthol.
Dark Hero - Hannah Howell - 4 stars
Scotland, Summer 1512: Berawald MacNachton rescues a young boy and his beautiful sister. All are not quite human, and must stand against those who hunt them. I've read a few HH stories in anthols, and have enjoyed all of them.
Bride of the Beast - Adrienne Basso - 4 stars
Wales, Spring 1220: Haydn of Gwynedd first meets Bethan when she fearlessly frees him from her evil stepfather's prison. Years pass ... they must marry in order to defeat her violent and unhuman stepfather.
Kiss of the Vampire - Eve Silver - 5 Stars
London, 1839: Wow, this new to me author writes a powerful story! Brimming with atmosphere, tension and mystery, Sarah works at a hospital for the poor. Something (someone?) is killing the weakest patients, draining them of blood. Sarah has taken notice of Killian Thayne, a mysterious surgeon, in more ways than one ... And just who, if anyone, is following her on her walk home every night through the seediest parts of London?
This is a unique and very enjoyable story! Off now to see what else Eve Silver has to read.
Dark Hero - Hannah Howell - 4 stars
Scotland, Summer 1512: Berawald MacNachton rescues a young boy and his beautiful sister. All are not quite human, and must stand against those who hunt them. I've read a few HH stories in anthols, and have enjoyed all of them.
Bride of the Beast - Adrienne Basso - 4 stars
Wales, Spring 1220: Haydn of Gwynedd first meets Bethan when she fearlessly frees him from her evil stepfather's prison. Years pass ... they must marry in order to defeat her violent and unhuman stepfather.
Kiss of the Vampire - Eve Silver - 5 Stars
London, 1839: Wow, this new to me author writes a powerful story! Brimming with atmosphere, tension and mystery, Sarah works at a hospital for the poor. Something (someone?) is killing the weakest patients, draining them of blood. Sarah has taken notice of Killian Thayne, a mysterious surgeon, in more ways than one ... And just who, if anyone, is following her on her walk home every night through the seediest parts of London?
This is a unique and very enjoyable story! Off now to see what else Eve Silver has to read.
March 20, 2011
Anthology. 3.3 stars (math). This was an okay anthology. I liked Hannah Howell's story the most.
1. Dark Hero by Hannah Howell. I loved that this hero is a little insecure and with not much experience. Berawald sees ghosts and thinks that a little boy is a ghost at first. He finds out that the boy and his sister are actually running from killers. He also find they have a lot in common. I really like Hannah Howell's books - haven't really found one I didn't like. ****
2. Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso. Bethan releases Hadyn from the prison in her evil stepfather's castle. Years later in order to try to stop her stepfather she goes to a renown warrior for help. He just happens to be Hadyn. Okay story. ***
3. Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver. Sarah is a day nurse trying to survive. She meets and is attracted to Killian Thayne, a surgeon at the hospital. A little too gruesome for me in the descriptions of the hospital. I loved her Eve Kenin books, but was just so-so with her Eve Silver books. This story was a little better than the other Eve Silver books. ***
1. Dark Hero by Hannah Howell. I loved that this hero is a little insecure and with not much experience. Berawald sees ghosts and thinks that a little boy is a ghost at first. He finds out that the boy and his sister are actually running from killers. He also find they have a lot in common. I really like Hannah Howell's books - haven't really found one I didn't like. ****
2. Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso. Bethan releases Hadyn from the prison in her evil stepfather's castle. Years later in order to try to stop her stepfather she goes to a renown warrior for help. He just happens to be Hadyn. Okay story. ***
3. Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver. Sarah is a day nurse trying to survive. She meets and is attracted to Killian Thayne, a surgeon at the hospital. A little too gruesome for me in the descriptions of the hospital. I loved her Eve Kenin books, but was just so-so with her Eve Silver books. This story was a little better than the other Eve Silver books. ***
February 20, 2011
"Dark Hero" by Hannah Howell- 3.5 stars Another one of her MacNaughton Vampire/Highlander series.
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso- 3 stars
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Eve Silver- I haven't read this one, and I probably will later on, but right now I'm not interested
"Bride of the Beast" by Adrienne Basso- 3 stars
"Kiss of the Vampire" by Eve Silver- I haven't read this one, and I probably will later on, but right now I'm not interested
January 14, 2025
I never write reviews on here but this is for u Soraya. This book is so weird and is three different stories in one. They speak like Hamlet in the first one (kill me now), in the second one the two love interests meet when she’s 13 (ok pedophile) and in the last one the man has stupid green spectacles he wears all the time (the #1 way to give me the ick). Enjoy the smut. Now off to read Fourth Wing 😋
February 26, 2019
Once more Hannah Howell create a good paranormal fiction with lots of action, adventure, hot sex love forever... and a great author anthology collaboration
May 2, 2016
I've never read an anthology before so this was definitely a delightful experience to get three vamp stories in one book.
Let it be known that I'm a sucker - hahaha no pun intended - for vampires. Always have been since I was a snotty nose kid, so off the bat my interest and excitement is already in full bloom. Add on the fact that all stories are historical vamps and automatically my mind brings me to blissful thoughts of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire - which makes me even more excited to read these stories!
First story: Dark Hero by Hannah Howell - 4 stars
Medieval Scotland.
Berawald - a pure blood vampire - meets a distressed little boy named David who urges Berawald to help bring his sister Evanna to safety, as she's been brutally attacked and is clinging to life. Being the kindhearted creature he is, he takes in David and Evanna, mends to her wounds and nurses her back to health. Only to later discover that Evanna and David are not quite normal either but have the MacNacton blood in them as well.
It was hard at first for me to get into this story because of the dialogue.
Example: "The water is verra cold, ye ken." and "Nay, I dinnae think so."
Because of it, finishing this story took a much longer time than usual.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of Berawald in his vampire form. I've said it time and time again - I'm an extremely visual person, so when reading I can literally picture the story in my head. With that, the vision I formed of Berawald was absolute perfection, making him my favourite vamp of all three stories.
The story and romance were sweet and made for a great read.
Second: Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso - 3 stars
Medieval Whales.
Bethan is desperately trying to set her people free from her stepfathers cruel leadership and seeks out help from a powerful warrior prince named Hayden. She realizes that they've met ten years prior, as she saved his life from her stepfather who sentenced him to death. Hayden agrees to help as he has his own quarrel with Bethan's stepfather and marries Bethan to get closer to his target.
This was my least favourite story. I found it to be a little unrealistic in the end as Bethan goes from being completely appalled to discover that Hayden is a vampire, wanting nothing to do with him to then wanting to be one too and be with him forever. Regardless, I still enjoyed the read.
Third: Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver - 4 stars
Nineteenth century London.
Sarah is nurse at Kings College; a hospital plagued by poverty. She's worked with Dr. Killian Thayne for some time and secretly fantasizes about him - which leads her to come to his defence when he's being accused of several murders that have taken place within the hospital.
I absolutely adored this story and the writing. The depictions of emotion, crafted this story into a beautiful read. I loved Killian sooooo much! He was so broken that everything about him reminded me of the tormented Louis from Interview with the Vampire.
The build up of tension between Sarah and Killian kept me hooked, wanting nothing more than to see how their story ended.
All in all, this anthology was a real treat!
Let it be known that I'm a sucker - hahaha no pun intended - for vampires. Always have been since I was a snotty nose kid, so off the bat my interest and excitement is already in full bloom. Add on the fact that all stories are historical vamps and automatically my mind brings me to blissful thoughts of Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire - which makes me even more excited to read these stories!
First story: Dark Hero by Hannah Howell - 4 stars
Medieval Scotland.
Berawald - a pure blood vampire - meets a distressed little boy named David who urges Berawald to help bring his sister Evanna to safety, as she's been brutally attacked and is clinging to life. Being the kindhearted creature he is, he takes in David and Evanna, mends to her wounds and nurses her back to health. Only to later discover that Evanna and David are not quite normal either but have the MacNacton blood in them as well.
It was hard at first for me to get into this story because of the dialogue.
Example: "The water is verra cold, ye ken." and "Nay, I dinnae think so."
Because of it, finishing this story took a much longer time than usual.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed the depiction of Berawald in his vampire form. I've said it time and time again - I'm an extremely visual person, so when reading I can literally picture the story in my head. With that, the vision I formed of Berawald was absolute perfection, making him my favourite vamp of all three stories.
The story and romance were sweet and made for a great read.
Second: Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso - 3 stars
Medieval Whales.
Bethan is desperately trying to set her people free from her stepfathers cruel leadership and seeks out help from a powerful warrior prince named Hayden. She realizes that they've met ten years prior, as she saved his life from her stepfather who sentenced him to death. Hayden agrees to help as he has his own quarrel with Bethan's stepfather and marries Bethan to get closer to his target.
This was my least favourite story. I found it to be a little unrealistic in the end as Bethan goes from being completely appalled to discover that Hayden is a vampire, wanting nothing to do with him to then wanting to be one too and be with him forever. Regardless, I still enjoyed the read.
Third: Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver - 4 stars
Nineteenth century London.
Sarah is nurse at Kings College; a hospital plagued by poverty. She's worked with Dr. Killian Thayne for some time and secretly fantasizes about him - which leads her to come to his defence when he's being accused of several murders that have taken place within the hospital.
I absolutely adored this story and the writing. The depictions of emotion, crafted this story into a beautiful read. I loved Killian sooooo much! He was so broken that everything about him reminded me of the tormented Louis from Interview with the Vampire.
The build up of tension between Sarah and Killian kept me hooked, wanting nothing more than to see how their story ended.
All in all, this anthology was a real treat!
May 7, 2012
I love the Hannah Howell MacNauton vampires. I am still sad that they only come out in anthology books, but I'm not sure I could read a whole novel with the "weel"s & "e'er"s etc. BUT this one was cute!
I am surprised that I enjoyed the other 2 stories. The Adrienne Basso was good & I'm glad I discovered her. That's the best part of the anthology books! You find new authors.
Eve Silvers was pretty good. Much better thsn her other books. I still enjoyed it.
I've not read very many vampire books lately, but this was a great transitional book between the 20 HR & PNR books I have set aside to catch up in all the different series I am hopping from.
I am surprised that I enjoyed the other 2 stories. The Adrienne Basso was good & I'm glad I discovered her. That's the best part of the anthology books! You find new authors.
Eve Silvers was pretty good. Much better thsn her other books. I still enjoyed it.
I've not read very many vampire books lately, but this was a great transitional book between the 20 HR & PNR books I have set aside to catch up in all the different series I am hopping from.
April 26, 2012
I've had this TSPB on my shelf for awhile. Nature of the Beast has three short stories featuring vampires and highlanders. The featured author is Hannah Howell, but I enjoyed the story by Adrienne Basso the best. Also featured was Eve Silver. Eve's story had a bit of suspense/mystery, which I really enjoyed. The stories were each about 100 pages long. These were not the lighthearted type of highlander stories. The romance is steamy, one more graphic than the other two. Not the best I've ever read, but not a bad way to pass an afternoon.
February 28, 2018
Review just for Hannah Howell's Dark Hero:
I continue to love the intricate way that Howell expands on the world of the MacNachtons. I love the details and treatment of the characters. The addition of the spirits with Berawald is very interesting and I hope to see it in later stories. Love, love, love! Can't wait for the next one.
I continue to love the intricate way that Howell expands on the world of the MacNachtons. I love the details and treatment of the characters. The addition of the spirits with Berawald is very interesting and I hope to see it in later stories. Love, love, love! Can't wait for the next one.
April 4, 2022
Howell's MacNachton's are some of my favorites, so her story was no-brainer for me. Eve Silver was an awesome surprise, I'd never even heard of her. She spun a dark, romantic tale and I loved it!
Giving this book 4 out of 5 because of Adrienne Basso... this is the second story of hers that I've read and like the first, I'm just not impressed!
Giving this book 4 out of 5 because of Adrienne Basso... this is the second story of hers that I've read and like the first, I'm just not impressed!
February 18, 2018
I enjoyed this Book I read this type of composite to find new authors . I love Adrienne Basso Now I have read samples of Hannah Howell and Eve Silver will read more . Want more of their Vampires .
August 12, 2018
Decepción. Una corta novela que no deja desarrollarse como es debidamente y que oscurece la trama vampírica para convertirla en escasa y pobre de recursos.
June 27, 2019
I enjoyed all three stories. If you haven't read any of these authors, then this is a nice sampling of their writing.
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August 19, 2019Read "Dark Hero" by Hannah Howell
January 7, 2015
This is an anthology featuring three stories. They are as follows:
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell (5 stars)
I absolutely loved this story. It is about Berawald MacNachton (a vampire) who chooses to live in a cave instead of the castle with the rest of his highland clan. They are being hunted by people who want to kill them because they are different. He has seen and heard ghosts since he became a man a long time ago. He is inside his cave when he sees a little boy, at first he thinks he is a ghost who drowned then realizes he is alive. The little boy says that his sister needs help so Berawald goes out to help and is attracted to Evanna (the little boy's sister). With Evanna & David (her little brother) living with him he is not being bombarded by voices of ghosts like usual. Evanna and Berawald start falling for each other, however the danger pursuing Evanna & David is the same danger following Berawald and his clan. Will they survive the danger pursuing them? Will Berawald and Evanna live happily ever after? You will have to read to find out!
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso (5 stars)
I loved this story! It is about Haydn of Gwynedd (a vampire) and Bethan of Lampeter (the brave young lass who risked her life to save his.) Ten years later, Bethan desperately needs Haydn's help to defeat his evil stepfather (also a vampire.) Haydn offers marriage in-name only, but they have a slight problem, neither Haydn or Bethan can keep their hands off each other. Will Haydn defeat Bethan's evil stepfather? Will Haydn and Bethans feelings for each other survive when she finds out what he is? You will have to read to find out!
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver (5 stars)
I also loved this story! This is the story of Sarah (a day nurse at King's College Hospital) who is shocked to discover someone is killing their weakest patients, draining them of their blood. She is being followed by the same entity that is draining them, I wonder who it could be? Killian, a surgeon (and a vampire), offers Sarah his protection, providing their attraction to each other a chance to develop into much more. Sarah is constantly having to protect Killian when the others at the hospital blame him for killing their patients, which ultimately ends up getting her fired. What will happen between Killian and Sarah? Who is the mysterious vampire draining patients and following Sarah? You will have to read to find out!
I totally recommend this anthology! I absolutely adored each and every story in it. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, give this book a try, I'm so glad that I did!
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell (5 stars)
I absolutely loved this story. It is about Berawald MacNachton (a vampire) who chooses to live in a cave instead of the castle with the rest of his highland clan. They are being hunted by people who want to kill them because they are different. He has seen and heard ghosts since he became a man a long time ago. He is inside his cave when he sees a little boy, at first he thinks he is a ghost who drowned then realizes he is alive. The little boy says that his sister needs help so Berawald goes out to help and is attracted to Evanna (the little boy's sister). With Evanna & David (her little brother) living with him he is not being bombarded by voices of ghosts like usual. Evanna and Berawald start falling for each other, however the danger pursuing Evanna & David is the same danger following Berawald and his clan. Will they survive the danger pursuing them? Will Berawald and Evanna live happily ever after? You will have to read to find out!
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso (5 stars)
I loved this story! It is about Haydn of Gwynedd (a vampire) and Bethan of Lampeter (the brave young lass who risked her life to save his.) Ten years later, Bethan desperately needs Haydn's help to defeat his evil stepfather (also a vampire.) Haydn offers marriage in-name only, but they have a slight problem, neither Haydn or Bethan can keep their hands off each other. Will Haydn defeat Bethan's evil stepfather? Will Haydn and Bethans feelings for each other survive when she finds out what he is? You will have to read to find out!
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver (5 stars)
I also loved this story! This is the story of Sarah (a day nurse at King's College Hospital) who is shocked to discover someone is killing their weakest patients, draining them of their blood. She is being followed by the same entity that is draining them, I wonder who it could be? Killian, a surgeon (and a vampire), offers Sarah his protection, providing their attraction to each other a chance to develop into much more. Sarah is constantly having to protect Killian when the others at the hospital blame him for killing their patients, which ultimately ends up getting her fired. What will happen between Killian and Sarah? Who is the mysterious vampire draining patients and following Sarah? You will have to read to find out!
I totally recommend this anthology! I absolutely adored each and every story in it. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, give this book a try, I'm so glad that I did!
April 13, 2013
The fifth MacNachton story involves Berawald who is a Pureblood living in a cave. A young boy comes upon him and asks for help with his sister Evanna. The two are being hunted because of their differences. This is a change from the previous MacNachton stories because the premise behind them has been to breed with Outsiders in order to dilute their differences and hopefully bear children. This story is also a little more violent than the previous ones in that the hunters make it to Cambrun. Evanna and Berawald are great characters and her brother David adds lightness to the story.
The second story is set in Wales and involves Haydn who is a vampire and Bethan whose stepfather is a powerful vampire. It starts out with Bethan freeing prisoners that have been condemned to die by her stepfather. Haydn is one of those set free. He wants revenge against her stepfather for killing his mother and father. He spends the next ten years strengthening his powers and planning the revenge when Bethan appears at his keep. Again, two great characters.
The third story is about Killian Thayne and Sarah Lowell. This one is a bit different as the main venue is Kings Hospital where patients who are close to dying are being savagely bitten but no blood is around the wound. Killian is a doctor who shows great compassion for people even though he also exhibits clarifying analytical input. Sarah is a char even though she assisted her father, a doctor, as a nurse before his demise and assumed death. I would have liked Killian to be more completely fleshed out as a character as most of the dialogue and story telling was from Sarah's point of view.
Three good to great stories make this a satisfying read.
The second story is set in Wales and involves Haydn who is a vampire and Bethan whose stepfather is a powerful vampire. It starts out with Bethan freeing prisoners that have been condemned to die by her stepfather. Haydn is one of those set free. He wants revenge against her stepfather for killing his mother and father. He spends the next ten years strengthening his powers and planning the revenge when Bethan appears at his keep. Again, two great characters.
The third story is about Killian Thayne and Sarah Lowell. This one is a bit different as the main venue is Kings Hospital where patients who are close to dying are being savagely bitten but no blood is around the wound. Killian is a doctor who shows great compassion for people even though he also exhibits clarifying analytical input. Sarah is a char even though she assisted her father, a doctor, as a nurse before his demise and assumed death. I would have liked Killian to be more completely fleshed out as a character as most of the dialogue and story telling was from Sarah's point of view.
Three good to great stories make this a satisfying read.
March 3, 2015
I really liked the first two stories but the third was terrible hence three stars and not four.
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell ★★★★★
I've basically read every Highland book she's written so it's been a while since I've enjoyed Ms. Howell's Highland heroes and I really miss them. She writes the best romances with the sexiest heroes and the perfect heroine for them. This was a wonderfully romantic tale that managed to convey such love in only 100 pages. Amazing.
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso ★★★★
I liked Bethan and Haydn a lot. She, the tragic heroine and he, the vanquishing vampire. Very romantic and touching.
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver ★★
I didn't like this one at all. There was absolutely no connection between the hero and heroine and suddenly they are in love? It just wasn't plausible and was beyond ridiculous. I usually like Eve Silver's writing but this was just terribly inadequate.
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell ★★★★★
I've basically read every Highland book she's written so it's been a while since I've enjoyed Ms. Howell's Highland heroes and I really miss them. She writes the best romances with the sexiest heroes and the perfect heroine for them. This was a wonderfully romantic tale that managed to convey such love in only 100 pages. Amazing.
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso ★★★★
I liked Bethan and Haydn a lot. She, the tragic heroine and he, the vanquishing vampire. Very romantic and touching.
Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver ★★
I didn't like this one at all. There was absolutely no connection between the hero and heroine and suddenly they are in love? It just wasn't plausible and was beyond ridiculous. I usually like Eve Silver's writing but this was just terribly inadequate.
March 24, 2013
This is all in the WRONG order.. it really should be this:
MacNachton Vampire - RECOMMENDED reading order:
1. The Eternal Highlander (2004) (with Lynsay Sands)
2. Highland Vampire (2005) (with Adrienne Basso and Deborah Raleigh)
3. My Immortal Highlander (2006) (with Lynsay Sands)
4. Highland Thirst (2007) (with Lynsay Sands)
5. Nature of the Beast (2008) (with Adrienne Basso and Eve Silver)
6. Highland Beast (2009) (with Victoria Dahl, Heather Grothaus)
7. Yours For Eternity (2010)(with Alexandra Ivy and Kaitlin O'Riley)
8. Highland Hunger (2011) (with Jackie Ivie and Michele Sinclair
Goodreads library, you really need to fix this.
Cheers!
MacNachton Vampire - RECOMMENDED reading order:
1. The Eternal Highlander (2004) (with Lynsay Sands)
2. Highland Vampire (2005) (with Adrienne Basso and Deborah Raleigh)
3. My Immortal Highlander (2006) (with Lynsay Sands)
4. Highland Thirst (2007) (with Lynsay Sands)
5. Nature of the Beast (2008) (with Adrienne Basso and Eve Silver)
6. Highland Beast (2009) (with Victoria Dahl, Heather Grothaus)
7. Yours For Eternity (2010)(with Alexandra Ivy and Kaitlin O'Riley)
8. Highland Hunger (2011) (with Jackie Ivie and Michele Sinclair
Goodreads library, you really need to fix this.
Cheers!
January 23, 2009
Historical vampires [one medieval Scot, one medieval Welsh, one 19th century Englishman:] - liked the Scot, the Welshman was good, but the English was set in the scummy slums of London and where's the fun in that? Hmmm, can you say 'historical vampires'? Let's try vampire stories in historical settings :-) . The historical settings were quite well done - I didn't spot any obvious errors which is unusual.
September 8, 2008
This was a really great anthology. I enjoyed the longer stories with only 3 authors vs. the 4 shorter stories you usually get in anthologies.
Howell is the reason I checked this book out, but the other two authors more than held their own.
Each story was just as good as the one before it. I would definitely check out more from Adrienne Basso & Eve Silver .
Howell is the reason I checked this book out, but the other two authors more than held their own.
Each story was just as good as the one before it. I would definitely check out more from Adrienne Basso & Eve Silver .
September 18, 2009
There are 3 stories in this book. I like the first two the best. The first one the author uses a scottish brogue in the dialog that is a little distracting but the story is good enough to over come it. The second is perfect. The third book is slow to start and doesn't really move until the last 3rd of the book.
It's a genre I don't read a lot of but I'm thinking that may change
It's a genre I don't read a lot of but I'm thinking that may change
December 7, 2010
Similar to preview short story compilations by Hannah Howell with other authors, I have only read Dark Hero by Hannah Howell. I thought I would have time to read the other stories before the book was due back at my local library but alas time has run out. I have it on my list to go back and read the additional stories at a later date.
September 27, 2012
Eh, not my favorite.
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell was ok, not great, but not bad.
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso one was more than a bit annoying. Not much to redeem it.
Kiss of a Vampire by Eve Silver, I actively had to force myself to finish. It got a bit better, but wasn't worth the time spent. Pity, I often enjoy her books.
Dark Hero by Hannah Howell was ok, not great, but not bad.
Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso one was more than a bit annoying. Not much to redeem it.
Kiss of a Vampire by Eve Silver, I actively had to force myself to finish. It got a bit better, but wasn't worth the time spent. Pity, I often enjoy her books.
February 14, 2013
I was in the mood for a couple of short stories to fill the time, and the book was good for that. None of them were novel-worthy, but for a nice simple story to fill the time, this book was perfect. Good writing, no real surprises, but I enjoyed the read. 4- star rating for fulfilling expectations for short stories.
August 16, 2015
I just love Howell's MacNaughtons, come on medieval fanged blood-drinking Scottish warriors, what's not to like. I do however miss her collaborations with Lynsay Sands, why? Well, with Sands it was double the MacNaughtons!
-- more to come
-- more to come
October 23, 2010
I picked this book up on a lark, haven't really read much of these authors, but this book just isn't for me. I am not a big fan of historicals and all 3 of these stories are with a paranormal twist.
February 1, 2013
1. Dark Hero by Hannah Howell - Finally Berawald, I don't know what I expected and I do feel a little bit disappointed but at the same time liked it. 3.5 stars
2. Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso - Okay story 3 stars
3. Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver - it was just ok 2 stars
2. Bride of the Beast by Adrienne Basso - Okay story 3 stars
3. Kiss of the Vampire by Eve Silver - it was just ok 2 stars
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